Psorophora ferox
This record describes Psorophora ferox (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae: Head rounded anteriorly, long antennae. Head hairs 5 and 6 long and usually double. Adult Female: The legs have purple irridescent scales and tarsal segments 4 and 5 are entirely pale scaled.
Wikipedia reference for Psorophora ferox: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psorophora_ferox.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae are found in temporary woodland pools and depression in shaded floodplains. ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e US to Texas ; south through Central and South America (WRBU)
Seasonal Activity
Larvae: July and August Adults: June - October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females prefer blood from mammals
Life History
Overwinters as an egg and is multivoltine
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: ferox (L). fierce, wild, bold, courageous, warlike, spirited, etc.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Psorophora ferox. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Psorophora ferox (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Omar Fahmy , Mike Quinn , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Psorophora ferox
What is Psorophora ferox?
Psorophora ferox is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Psorophora ferox?
Larvae: Head rounded anteriorly, long antennae. Head hairs 5 and 6 long and usually double. Adult Female: The legs have purple irridescent scales and tarsal segments 4 and 5 are entirely pale scaled.
Where is Psorophora ferox found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae are found in temporary woodland pools and depression in shaded floodplains. ( 3 ) |
| Range | e US to Texas ; south through Central and South America (WRBU) |
What does Psorophora ferox eat?
The diet of the Psorophora ferox includes Females prefer blood from mammals.
When is Psorophora ferox active?
Psorophora ferox: seasonal activity - Larvae: July and August Adults: June - October.
What is the life cycle of a Psorophora ferox?
Overwinters as an egg and is multivoltine